Answers

Subtract 40/42 from 5/12

5/12 - 40/42 is -15/28.

Steps for subtracting fractions

1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
   LCM of 12 and 42 is 84
   
   Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84
2. For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
   5/12 = 5 × 7/12 × 7 = 35/84
3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
   40/42 = 40 × 2/42 × 2 = 80/84
4. Subtract the two like fractions:
   35/84 - 80/84 = 35 - 80/84 = -45/84
5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -15/28

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